Former England captain Adrian Morley gets on his bike for mammoth US challenge

Ex-powerhouse prop Morley, 45, will ride 540 miles in six days from Niagra Falls to New York with other rugby league stars to raise money for Rugby League Cares.

He was used to bashing opponents as one of rugby league’s most feared forwards.

But ex-Great Britain captain Adrian Morley is now preparing to bash the roads on an epic 540-mile bike route through North America. The legendary former Leeds, Warrington and Sydney Roosters prop doesn’t even really like cycling. However, he’ll be donning the lycra for charity Rugby League Cares when they start their mammoth challenge at Niagara Falls on Sunday.

In just six days, Morley and 17 other riders – including ex-England team-mate Keith Senior – hope to trek all the way to New York. The most capped player in British rugby league said: “It’s true – I’m not a keen cyclist. Not at all! And that was part of the attraction. I like doing things that take me out of my comfort zone.

“I’ve been doing some work on the bike, getting some miles in my legs. It does sound like a tough challenge but one that’ll be quite enjoyable as well. We get to see another part of the world so I’m really looking forward to it. “There’s a few ex-rugby lads so it will replicate a touring scenario.”

Former Warrington team-mate Paul Wood and ex-Bradford centre Nathan McAvoy are others taking part in the UK Red Empire State 500 challenge along with current Leeds winger Tara Moxon. Morley, 45, said: “Because we’ve played rugby I do think we all have a pretty tough mindset.

“It will be hard but it’s mind over matter. We know it’s going to be tough and uncomfortable but we just have to get it done. When we finish, we’ll be able to look back with pride on a great experience.”

And he knows how beneficial it will be for RL Cares, the charity which aims to enhance and enrich people’s lives through the ‘power and positive influence’ of rugby league. Morley, who retired in 2015, added: “It’s a fantastic cause. Anyone involved with rugby league – professional or amateur, present players or past players – they give a helping hand.

“Whether that’s financial or training or for anyone who’s fallen on hard times, they really do help the rugby league community out. It’s a charity close to my heart. I am very passionate about it.”

An NRL and Super League Grand Final winner, Morley is looking forward to celebrating in style when they complete their goal. He said: “Luckily, we’re finishing in Central Park in New York. So I dare say there’ll be a few establishments there where we can relax and have a few drinks. When you do something like this with a group of people you create a bond so it’ll be great to have a few celebratory drinks together.”

• To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adrian-morley3